Today's how-to, from www.wikihow.com provides in-depth information about a creative way to obtain stuff without spending any money. Are you interested? It is called "dumpster diving". No, I'm not kidding. Here are some tips and warnings for those of you who are chomping at the bit to take your first dive.
- Get over your squeamishness or adapt your methods to avoid practices you see as disgusting. Many people find entering a dumpster gross. If you follow the steps below, however, you may be able to make your experience a little less foul. If you're still put off by sifting through trash, however, consider scavenging only items placed with trash but not in rubbish bins, such as furniture and, sometimes, crates of food.
- Network with other divers. As you get into dumpster diving, you'll likely meet other divers. Many, but not all, will be friendly and helpful. Share tips and experiences with them and you'll probably get some good tips in return. Consider joining an online dumpster diving forum or a local club. There are a lot of dumpsters out there, and you can't cover them all on your own, so word of mouth is extremely helpful.
- Handle with care. Be very careful when handling trash or entering dumpsters. Broken glass and sharp objects can cut you, and you could be poked by a used needle. Protective clothing will help avoid these dangers, but you also need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Clean up after yourself. If you've thrown garbage all around, pick it up and put it back into the dumpster. While you're at it, throw away other nearby trash that's on the ground. Leave the area as clean or cleaner than you found it-don't give dumpster diving a bad name.
- While diving, keep a few cardboard boxes around outisde the dumspter in a little pile. If confronted, you can say you were searching for some boxes to help with a move. The employees are more likely to give you a better reaction than if you tell them you were looking for products they sell.
- Do not enter a dumpster when garbage trucks are in the area, and if a truck approaches get out of the dumpster immediately.
- Never enter a dumpster that is equiped with a compactor.
Psalms 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
